Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist William Ridley. It dates from 31 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a printed portrait dated 1802, depicting a woman identified as Mrs Glover.
About this work
This print shows a portrait of a woman, Mrs Glover.
She is dressed in old-fashioned clothes.
The details in the print are very fine, which suggests it was made with care.
The portrait is from 1802, which was a long time ago. The artist likely used a technique to create the fine details.
You can learn more about this kind of printmaking by looking into the technique: sfumato.
Overview
The work is a printed portrait dated 1802, depicting a woman identified as Mrs Glover. Executed as a single‑sheet print, the image presents her in attire characteristic of an earlier era, rendered with a high level of detail that indicates careful preparation and execution by the printmaker.
Subject & Meaning
Mrs Glover is shown seated in a composed pose, her clothing styled in a manner that reflects the fashions of the late 18th to early 19th century. The portrait’s quiet dignity and the sitter’s direct gaze suggest an intention to convey personal status and respectability, common aims in private portraiture of the period.
Technique & Style
The print displays exceptionally fine line work, pointing to a meticulous engraving or etching process. While the description mentions sfumato, the subtle gradations of tone in the image are achieved through careful manipulation of the printing medium, allowing soft transitions that give the figure a three‑dimensional presence.
History & Provenance
Created in 1802, the portrait belongs to the H Beard Print Collection, a compilation of works that documents early 19th‑century printmaking practices. Its inclusion in the collection indicates that the piece has been preserved as an example of the period’s portraiture and technical skill, though further details of its ownership history remain limited.
Artist & collection
